Senior of the Year: Computer-Savvy Sams Thrives in IT Domain

(Story by Andrew King)

Carol Ventresca is aware many people assume seniors and computers don’t mix. And for her, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

As the executive director of Employment for Seniors, 4300 E. Broad St., Columbus, “everything about our program revolves around the computer system,” Ventresca said, and she is frustrated when people are dismissive of seniors involved with technology.

“When employers tell me older adults and seniors can’t do things involving computers, my first response is, ‘I gave out 5,000 job referrals last year, all via computers,’ ” she said.

For Ventresca and a plethora of others, Gary Sams is the perfect example of the effect seniors can have when they harness the power of technology.

The Westerville resident is Senior of the Year and will be honored at the Young at Heart event, sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch and ThisWeek Community News, on Thursday, July 19, at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center, 1630 Schrock Road, Columbus. Continue reading…